Is it difficult to sit in a cinema with a bunch of strangers and have them watch you do this stuff?

It was, initially. It was uncomfortable when I saw the film on my own, which was also the first time I saw it with an audience. I stayed for the undressing scene - that was fine - but during the love scene I got up and went to the bathroom, even though I didn't have to go. It was very awkward.

We've heard this rumour that in the current season of 24, your character has a big secret...

Well, my mother wouldn't stop calling me. 'Are you a lesbian on the show?' 'No, Mom. I have a boyfriend.' Two days later: 'Are you a lesbian on the show? Are you not telling me?' She actually thought I was keeping it from her.

Did you watch any blue films for, you know, research purposes?

No, but I watched some documentaries on girls who've been in the business. We also looked through Hustler for wardrobe ideas.

So what do you do when you're not studying grumble mags?

Hang out with friends. I like to paint. My garage is a painting studio. I'm very mellow. I think if I hadn't become an actress I would've lived the simple life. You know, get married and sit on my porch.

You recently celebrated your 21st birthday. What did you do?

I got a surprise birthday party, and I had a cake that was shaped as a driver's licence. It looked just like me. And then I partied until 2:30 in the morning. I got really drunk and finished off a bottle of Jack Daniel's. A friend of ours said he'd give us 0 if we polished off the bottle, but we were like, 'We're going to finish it anyway'

Get any saucy lingerie as a birthday present, by any chance?

No, but I've had some in the gift bags at Maxim parties. This year there was this pink underwear with black lace that said Maxim Space Cowgirl on the arse. They were really cute. So Maxim has bought me some naughty things. Thank you!

You're very welcome. Have you got any other films coming up?

No. I'm shooting 24, and I had to turn down a few things because of scheduling issues. There are a few projects coming up during the show's break, but I'm very superstitious. I don't like to talk about anything until I'm actually on the set and working.

So do you ever get cracked onto with any really bad 24-related chat-up lines?

I get a lot of, 'Hey, Kim: and 'What's up, Kim?' And I actually respond to my character's name, which is really scary. And I've gotten busted, too, where someone will say Kim and I'll turn around, but they're not talking to me